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Hiking the Hummocks Trail at Mount St. Helens 🌋🐾

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Simba 🐾 and I set out on an unforgettable adventure along the Hummocks Trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington . This fascinating trail is unlike any other—it winds through a landscape reshaped by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens , offering an up-close look at how nature recovers and transforms after a cataclysmic event. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🚶‍♂️ Trekking the loop trail through volcanic hummocks and blast-zone terrain 🌋 Taking in stunning views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding wilderness 🌸 Exploring ponds, wetlands, and wildflower-filled meadows 🐾 Enjoying a dog-friendly adventure with Simba by my side 📖 Learning about the area’s geology and history through interpretive signs What Makes the Hummocks Trail Special? The “hummocks” are mounds of volcanic debris left behind by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Over the years, these formations have been reclaimed by ponds, wetlands, and forests, creating a unique patchwork of habitats. Hik...

Visiting the Nutty Narrows Bridge in Longview, WA 🐿️🐾

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Simba 🐾 and I made a quirky little stop in Longview, Washington to see the famous Nutty Narrows Bridge —a landmark that proves even squirrels need safe passage! Built in 1963 , this oddball bridge is celebrated as the world’s first squirrel bridge , designed to keep furry critters safe from traffic. Today, it’s a piece of roadside Americana that’s as charming as it is unique. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🐿️ Seeing the world’s first squirrel bridge in action 📖 Learning about its history and design to protect squirrels from cars 🌟 Enjoying the small-town charm of Longview, WA 📸 Capturing fun photos and videos of this offbeat landmark 🐾 Adding Simba’s curious energy to the quirky stop The Story Behind the Bridge The Nutty Narrows Bridge was built by a local builder named Amos Peters in 1963, when he noticed the high number of squirrels being hit by cars in downtown Longview. His clever solution? A tiny suspension bridge stretched across a busy street, giving squirrels a s...

Visiting the Winlock Egg in Winlock, WA 🥚🐾

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Simba 🐾 and I made a fun stop in Winlock, Washington to see one of the state’s quirkiest and most iconic roadside attractions—the World’s Largest Egg! Proudly celebrating Winlock’s claim as the “Egg Capital of the World,” this giant egg has been a local landmark since the 1920s, standing tall as a tribute to the town’s poultry heritage. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🥚 Checking out the World’s Largest Egg monument 📖 Learning about Winlock’s egg industry history and its Egg Day Festival 📸 Capturing fun photos and videos with this giant roadside landmark 🚗 Enjoying a perfect small-town stop along our Washington road trip The Story Behind the Egg The Winlock Egg has been a community symbol for nearly a century, representing the town’s once-thriving egg production industry. Over the years, the egg has been replaced and updated, but its role as a quirky beacon of small-town pride has remained the same. Every June, Winlock hosts its annual Egg Day Festival , where locals and ...

Hiking the Historic Iron Goat Trail in Skykomish, WA 🚂🌲🐾

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Simba 🐾 and I laced up our boots and set out on one of Washington’s most fascinating trails—the Iron Goat Trail near Skykomish. What makes this hike so special is its unique blend of railroad history and Cascades scenery , all along the route once used by the Great Northern Railway. From abandoned tunnels to interpretive signs, every step tells a story of grit, tragedy, and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🚂 Walking the historic Great Northern Railway route 🕳️ Discovering abandoned tunnels, trestles, and interpretive signs 🌲 Hiking through lush forests and mountain views of the Cascades ❄️ Learning about the 1910 Wellington Avalanche —the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history 🐾 Watching Simba enjoy the dog-friendly trail and fresh mountain air The Story Behind the Trail The Iron Goat Trail gets its name from the railroad’s mountain goat logo, a symbol of perseverance in the rugged Cascades. But this trail isn’t just about pretty scenery—...

Visiting the Wayside Chapel in Monroe, WA ⛪🐾

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On our road trip along Highway 2 , Simba 🐾 and I stopped at one of Washington’s sweetest and most unusual roadside gems—the Wayside Chapel in Monroe. Built in the 1960s, this tiny church has been welcoming travelers for decades. Though small in size, it’s a big-hearted stop offering peace, reflection, and a reminder to slow down during a busy journey. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit ⛪ Admiring the adorable miniature church along Highway 2 📖 Learning about its history and community purpose 🌆 Enjoying Monroe’s roadside charm and hidden gems 🐾 Taking fun photos and videos with Simba at this unique stop ✨ Appreciating a quiet, peaceful pause on a road trip Why the Wayside Chapel is Special Road trips are often about the unexpected, and the Wayside Chapel is one of those places that makes you smile. Its tiny size makes it instantly charming, but it’s the sense of community and history that gives it character. Built for weary travelers to find a moment of rest and reflection, it con...

Visiting the Truck-Eating Bridge in Kirkland, WA 🚚🍴

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Simba 🐾 and I tracked down one of the Seattle area’s quirkiest roadside oddities— the Truck-Eating Bridge in Kirkland, WA! Known for its notoriously low clearance, this bridge has “chomped down” on more than a few unsuspecting trucks over the years. While we didn’t catch any action during our stop, it was still a fun and unusual landmark to add to our growing list of quirky roadside attractions. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🚧 Seeing the infamous Truck-Eating Bridge up close 📸 Snapping fun photos and videos with this oddity 🤔 Learning why so many trucks fall victim to its clearance trap 🌆 Exploring a bit of Kirkland’s charm beyond the bridge 🐕 Simba adding his own dose of adventure to the stop Why It’s Worth a Stop Roadside attractions don’t always have to be grand or flashy—sometimes it’s the weird little things that make road trips memorable. The Truck-Eating Bridge is one of those places that locals laugh about and travelers love to discover. With warning signs that ma...

Exploring The Fin Project in Seattle, WA 🌊⚓

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Simba 🐾 and I set out to explore one of Seattle’s most unique and thought-provoking art installations— The Fin Project at Magnuson Park. This outdoor display features 22 real submarine fins repurposed from decommissioned U.S. Navy submarines, creating a striking combination of military history and modern creativity. Each fin stands upright in the ground, forming a dramatic arc across the park’s landscape. Walking among them, you can’t help but reflect on their Cold War past while appreciating how they’ve been transformed into a community space for art, remembrance, and inspiration. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌊 Seeing 22 authentic submarine fins repurposed as public art ⚓ Learning about their Cold War submarine history and legacy 🌅 Enjoying waterfront views at Magnuson Park 🐾 Capturing fun and unique photos with Simba at this landmark 🎨 Experiencing a powerful blend of art, history, and outdoor adventure Why The Fin Project is Special Seattle is known for its eclectic mi...